1 Timothy 5:16

16 If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

1 Timothy 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 5:16

If any man or woman that believeth have widows
That is, if any member of a church, whether a brother or a sister, have mothers or grandmothers, or any near relations widows, in mean circumstances, and incapable of taking care of themselves:

let them relieve them;
out of their own substance; which is what the apostle before calls showing piety at home, and requiting their own parents:

and let not the church be charged;
or burdened with the maintenance of them:

that it may relieve them that are widows indeed;
that the church may be in a better capacity, its stock not being expended on others, to supply the wants of those who are really widows; who have neither husbands, nor children, nor any relations, to provide for them; nor anything in the world to support themselves with.

1 Timothy 5:16 In-Context

14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

16 If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”